| |
|
|
 |
MANNAN TRIBE HOUSE BUILDING PROJECT
Western Ghat Mountains
Kerala, South India |
 |
Volunteers
who initiated and funded the first house project
Thomas Friebel - Civil Engineer - Germany,
Devin Kalman - Banker -New York
Miss Lena Tempich - Germany
Special Thanks to Miss Gillian Pepper
& Mathew Branch |
Volunteer
needed
Apply early |
COMPLETED
HOUSE
Project Report
Drinking
water and Sanitation project - Volunteers needed.
Click
for more details |
Mannan
Eco Mud house building project page for Jan 2010 is being
updated
|
Background:
Yearoutindia's house building project aim is to
build small houses with basic facilities for selected needy
mannan tribal families. This was initiated by calling a
meeting of the Mannan King, village elders and others who
helped make a priority list of familes in the settlement
that needed the help urgently. The next family that needed
a house was for widow Radhamani and her 4 children ages
5, 7, 10 and 13. For such a large family the existing temporary
hut is not only insubstantial but very overcrowded. Even
the simplest housing will be a vast improvement upon the
existing accommodation. The
second house to be built will replace the existing hut made
entirely of coconut and banana leaves, which is cramped,
decaying and not at all weatherproof.
About the Project
Two dedicated volunteers (Thomas - Germany and Devin - New
York) took part in the first house building project for
8-12 weeks till completion. Along with Yearoutindia funds,
their fees, donation and fundraising, the house building
project was started. The village settlement and almost all
tribals were very enthusiastic and many joined hands with
the volunteers in completing the house. The house
was completed successfully and is by far the best house
in the whole of the settlement.
New
House - Volunteers needed to fundraise and build this
house in 2010
The existing accommodation is a flimsy hut made from
coconut leaf thatching, which offers little protection
from the elements. There are no facilities in place
for cooking, comfort or hygiene. As with the first
House, we aim to construct a permanent, stable and
safe structure with basic living facilities, such
as a clay oven (tandoor) as well as glass windows
and doors. There are no foundations in place for house
2, so these will need to be built along with toilets
and work area..
What
the volunteers will be doing ?
As a volunteer on this initiative you will be staying
on site and will build a close working relationship
with the tribal community including the families for
whom the houses are being built. You can teach, build
and renovate at this site. You will also work closely
with other volunteers and YOI staff, giving you the
chance to gain extensive knowledge of new cultures
and perhaps even languages. In addition you will enjoy
the unique experience of working in the beautiful
area surrounding the beautiful Western Ghat Mountain
Ranges.
The development work is on going and we need a min
of 2-3 volunteers as soon as possible to help with
management and building work on-site. There are local
masons and workers who have helped build the first
house with lot of experience building houses and they
will help with all the work and planning. Volunteers
can help at all levels and volunteers who have no
prior knowledge or experience of building work can
also help at all levels. Our staff and coordinators
will help you manage the building project. This is
very exciting and challenging placement and volunteers
can also come in work / college / friends groups to
help at this project site. Volunteers are
encouraged to fundraise for this project.
Adventurous volunteers may stay in tents on site,
but YOI also has a house nearby which volunteers can
use. YOI staff will be present on site and will cook
meals for volunteers. Special dietary requirements
can be accommodated. After work activities will be
in the form of treks, camp fires, BBQ's, games, bamboo
rafting etc etc.
This
project will greatly benefit the tribal community
and also has much to offer the volunteers :
|
A
unique opportunity to work amongst tribal people
and to learn about their culture and way of life. |
|
Take
part in the very unusual and colourful Annual
tribal festival in March. |
|
The
satisfaction of creating permanent homes for two
families. |
|
The
joy of working in an area of outstanding natural
beauty in the Western Ghat Mountain ranges. |
|
A
chance to build life-long friendships with people
from all walks of life. |
|
A
chance to improve your DIY skills! |
|
|
|
* It's a challenging project
that require volunteers to be resourceful, committed,
self motivated and will definitely involve long hours
of work with plenty of excitement and fun. You will
be involved in planning, organising and building activities
with the help of a team of volunteers, local laborers
and members of the community. Please note that the project
area is remote and basic facilities will be provided
by Yearoutindia. Amenities like Internet, ATM's, Fax
etc are only available at the nearest town which is
30 minutes drive away.
Program Start Dates and Costs:
Please contact your program coordiantor for more details
of this project and next available project start dates.
Project cost are dependent on actual project and other
community development initiatives. A portion of the
program cost goes directly towards the materials, building
costs and labour. The remaining covers program related
costs: all food, accommodation, project-related transport,
staff etc.Volunteers will also assist the YOI staff
in managing the funds and paying daily wages and materials
needed for the building work.
The main brick house building project is an ongoing
project and will cost roughly about GBP £ 2500
to complete. We plan to raise this through volunteer
fees and other contributions before the actual building
work starts. A current house building project is nearing
completion. If your group can raise a similar amount,
you can start a house building project at anytime during
the year. Volunteers and groups are encouraged to fundraise
for this project if they can and take on this project. |
|
|
|
Contact
the YOI support team at: info@yearoutindia.com
Call:
+91 484 4020040 (India office) +91 9447231853,
UK Tel: 0845 463 1571, 07092 233122 Fax: 07092 380001
©2005-2009 Yearoutindia. All rights reserved.
|
|
